First and foremost, we again owe great thanks to Bend PD for the efforts made to help keep downtown vibrant. The step-up of law enforcement has been great. The officers have done an incredible job, but problems still persist.

As a downtown community, we are incredibly frustrated at the moment. In particular, my staff and I have been becoming consumed with this issue. The past few weeks have been challenging and we don’t where else to turn but to alert you, the City, and those that are passionate about downtown. Our concern is that things may well likely get worse with the warm weather, the coming of the regional Rainbow Gathering in the Ochoco Mountains in May (and its resulting influx of transients in downtown), and the growing reputation that Bend welcomes this behavior.

I know many situations cannot be solved with law enforcement. The Chief of Police has convened a Livability Committee that has discussed dynamic ideas, but nothing has been put into action yet. We need to be proactive in our planning to have a dynamic and creative approach (legislative, law enforcement, AND community ownership) so we are better prepared for the challenges that may lay ahead

I keep hearing everywhere I go through Bend 2030, City planning, and community conversations just how much everyone values a ‘strong vibrant downtown’. I think we need to ask what that looks like day to day and we need leadership to help put it into action.

It is my intention to initiate a positive proactive dialog amongst those that are most invested in downtown, which is why I have cc’d a group of smart, creative people that I know who are passionate about Downtown Bend. Does anyone have any ideas?

1 comment

Have positive programs for youth which involve them in community pride.
Programs for youth employment need to be opened.

Give strong support to having local care for the homeless and down and out people.
Safe havens and jobs, possibly in city improvement.

Encourage alcohol serving establishmnets to be mindful of customers who are exceeding the sensible level of drinking, forming rowdy groups who will leave and take the problems to the streets.
[Naturally they cannot be custodians of others but keeping an open eye should help.]

Law enforcement should be aware of gathering overly boisterous crowds, and use a proactive approach.